Rain returns to the Northwest, expect a lot more by Monday

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EUGENE, Ore. -- The wet season may be off to a slow start, but rain did indeed come down in Eugene today.

There has been a strech of 85 days of blue skies, warm temperatures and summer fun since our last day of notable precipitation. On July 18th Eugene saw .08 inches of rain, the same amount seen on Friday morning.

Chief meteorologist Candace Campos says to expect more light rain through Saturday as the current weather front moves through. A second, heavier round of rain starts up Sunday morning, bringing more rain into the coming week.

Drivers are reminded that when the rain starts falling, it's time to remember your wet weather driving safety tips: increase following distances, decrease speeds, and maybe get some new wiper blades, which have been cooking in sunlight for the past three months.

Drivers should also watch for hydroplaning when heavier rains move in for Sunday and Monday.

Miriam Major planned a field trip for her Willamalane students several months ago. Her students climbed a damp wooden jungle gym and made their way across slippery monkey bars behind her at the Riverplay playground.

Major said especially with the unusually dry weather we've had recently, it was almost impossible for her to predict the rain today. "I think its kind of interesting how its been nice and sunny all this time until the one day we're supposed to go to the park," Major said.

These kids zipped up their jackets and jumped in the shallow puddles. Major said that she would let the kids stay if it continued to sprinkle, but if it started to pour, she would pack the kids up and send them home.

Chris Halaspa pushed his son and daughter on a swing set in the same park. He said, "there actually was a little shower about a half hour ago and we decided to stick it out. I'm glad we did. We got a few more minutes in the park."

Jacob Smith said he missed the extreme weather he experienced back in Chicago. He's seen forty inches of snow and cracked his car key in his ignition, trying to start his car. He thinks this is nothing. "I think we'll all survive. You know, when I lived in Chicago, I lived in places where my neighbors froze to death. I don't think any of my neighbors are going to freeze to death here."

That's definitely more extreme than the rainfall we had today, but it won't be long until Eugene is drenched.